Functional Analysis of Piedmont (Italy) Ancient Water Mills Aimed at Their Recovery or Reconversion

Abstract

Since ancient times and for hundreds of years, grain mills, hammers, sawmills, spinning mills, and hemp rollers have been powered by water wheels. In the nineteenth century there were hundreds of thousands of mills in all of Europe. It is an enormous historical and cultural heritage of inestimable value, which is for the most part, abandoned today. Recently, there is a renewed interest in their reuse, both for their widespread diffusion in the territory and for the excellent environmental integration and intrinsic sustainability. Even when, for economic reasons, their recovery for the original tasks is not suitable, the conversion into mini plants for the production of electricity can be advantageous. In the paper, analyzing some typical examples of the old water mill of the Piemonte region, in North-West of Italy, the mechanical architecture of old water mill, from water wheels to millstones, is described and the functional details of various mechanisms are provided. In fact, by knowing only the specifics of the ancient mills, it is possible to enhance their potential and restore them from the perspective of a renewed high quality production, or reconvert them in mini-plants for the production of electricity.

An Approach to the Study of a 19th-Century Sugarcane Mill and Steam Engine through CAD Techniques and Mechanical Engineering

“…The main function of this gear train, which consists of six cogwheels, is to multiply the force by reducing the turning speed; that is, the set of gears would act as what is commonly known as a reducer. Once the transmission and multiplication of forces is achieved through the gear train, then the upper idler shaft is connected collinearly with the upper cylinder of the mill (11), by means of a rigid connection at three points.…”

“…To this end, and as a first step in the methodology followed, it is necessary to obtain the 3D model. Computer-aided design (CAD) techniques, therefore, constitute a fundamental pillar in numerous investigations [10][11][12][13] that follow the guidelines set out in the document Principles of Seville [14] on virtual archaeology, which, in turn, is supported by the London Charter [15] for the computer-based visualisation of cultural heritage.…”

Noise Generation and Acoustic Impact of Free Surface Hydropower Machines: Focus on Water Wheels and Emerging Challenges

“…Gravity hydraulic machines use water weight to generate energy. The two most known types of gravity machines are gravity water wheels, used in the past to drive water mills [ 1 ], and Archimedes screws [ 2 ]. Gravity water wheels are the focus of this study.…”

Blaise Pascal’s Mechanical Calculator: Geometric Modelling and Virtual Reconstruction

“…Likewise, as a first step in the study and recovery of the technical historical heritage, the 3D model is required. To this end, CAD (computer-aided design) techniques have provided fundamental support in numerous investigations related to various machines [18][19][20][21] that follow the objectives set out in the document Principles of Seville [22] on virtual archaeology, which in turn cites the London Charter [23] regarding the computer-based visualisation of cultural heritage.…”